A new executive action by President Donald Trump is set to disproportionately affect skilled professionals from India and China, who are the largest recipients of H-1B visas. The proclamation, which imposes an annual $100,000 fee on employers for each visa, creates a formidable financial barrier that could disrupt the careers of thousands of tech workers and the companies that seek to hire them.
The H-1B program has long been a vital pathway for engineers, software developers, and scientists from India and China to work in the U.S. tech industry. These two nationalities consistently account for the vast majority of the 85,000 H-1B visas issued each year. The new fee threatens this established pipeline of talent, potentially forcing companies to scale back recruitment from these countries significantly.
The Trump administration argues this is a necessary step to protect American jobs. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick defended the policy, urging companies to “Train Americans” instead of relying on foreign labor. He suggested that the high cost would ensure that only the most exceptionally talented and essential workers are brought in, a move he claims will benefit the domestic workforce.
However, the tech industry and immigration advocates see it differently. They argue that this policy ignores the global nature of talent and will ultimately harm U.S. competitiveness. For many companies, hiring a skilled engineer from India is not about cost savings but about finding the right expertise. A $100,000 annual fee may make that expertise unaffordable, particularly for startups and medium-sized businesses.
The proclamation is also facing scrutiny over its legality, with experts asserting that the president has overstepped his authority. This legal uncertainty adds another layer of anxiety for current and prospective H-1B workers. As the policy faces likely court challenges, the future for many skilled Indian and Chinese professionals hoping to contribute to the American economy has suddenly become much more precarious.
Indian and Chinese Tech Workers Face New Hurdle with $100k H-1B Fee
